By Our Reporter
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has given further clarity on the age limit of his likely successor, come 2027.
Apparently inundated with reactions by political stakeholders, Makinde said he never meant to limit or discourage any particular individual from contesting but that he was just speaking on his feet and concern about who would get his support in the coming election.
Corenews.ng reports that the governor had earlier in the week, while addressing students and participants at the maiden Student Legislative Summit which held in Ibadan said he would not support any candidate who is older than 52years to succeed him in office.
But, on Friday, April 26th, while playing host to the members of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, who were in the State to consult with stakeholders on proposed constitution amendments, the Governor expanded the age bracket from 45 to 55 years.
He said he was concerned about the tedious nature of governance and having a young and youthful person being in charge would not be a bad idea.
Makinde said “I was at a function with the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly a few days ago where he brought together the students for engagement on lawmaking and the rest.
“At the event I said, for me, when I am leaving in 2027, I will support somebody that is of specific age bracket.
“A lot of people have been on my case since I said it. It was almost like I did rule out certain people. But, no, I didn’t.
“Basically, I was thinking on my feet and I said quite frankly, I got to this work at 51 and if you have to work really, it is demanding, you wont have enough time to sleep and all of that and I said, for me it is not about anybody, I think I said the person I will support will be between the age bracket 50 to 52
“But, let me clarify now, it will now be between 45years and 55years and I think that’s a fair one.
“As I seat here, I look at the pictures of the individuals who have governed this state in time past. Look at Chief Obafemi Awolowo who was here at this Exco Chamber as the Premier of the Western Region, of what we today have as the six Southwest states plus Edo and Delta, he was aged 45 at the time. That was in 1954.
“So, quite frankly, we were on that trajectory but we missed it somehow.”
He charged members of the National Assembly Joint Committee to recommend amendments that will strengthen the nation’s democracy and unite the country,adding that Nigerians must be made to have confidence in the nation’s democracy and participate in it.
While encouraging them to be open-minded about their task, Governor Makinde said, “I have seen people who were given the opportunity to change the trajectory of the nation but because of selfishness and personal interest they missed the road. Who knows who is going to be here tomorrow? Whatever you do, do it in the wider interest of the country; the unity of Nigeria is sacrosanct. A united Nigeria is the route to go.”
Speaking, Chairman, Senate Committee on Electoral Matters and leader of the delegation, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, said the Joint Committee would be in all the zones of the country to ensure that the views of Nigerians are captured in the amendments.
He also reiterated the plan of the committee to come up with legislation that would ensure the conclusion of all electoral disputes before the inauguration of elected officials.
Speaking earlier, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, Honourable Adebayo Balogun, lauded the governor for being a supporter of youths, adding that given the governor’s stance on youths, there was no better place to kick-start the committee’s consultation than Oyo State because of the committee’s interest in inclusion.
He said that the Joint Committee is looking at coming up with a legislation that would ensure that all litigations are laid to rest before an elected person is sworn into office.
